Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-07-2017, 10:18 AM
toasterburn toasterburn is offline
Member
3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 4 Posts
Default 3953 vs. 6946

I'm looking to buy my first 3rd gen S&W for open carry. I want a DAO Compact 9mm, which narrows the search (I think) to a 3953/3954 or a 6946.

These are my questions:

What is the weight difference between these two models?

Which is more comfortable in the hand, the single stack or double?

Are there any other DAO Compact 9mm models?

How drop safe are the DAO models?



Thanks!

Last edited by toasterburn; 08-07-2017 at 10:22 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-07-2017, 10:58 AM
oldman10mm oldman10mm is offline
Member
3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Euclid,Ohio
Posts: 3,073
Likes: 49
Liked 4,070 Times in 1,859 Posts
Default

6944 is also DAO.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-07-2017, 11:03 AM
BAM-BAM BAM-BAM is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Burb of the Burgh
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 1,614
Liked 19,850 Times in 8,772 Posts
Default

I'm not a DAO fan but do have a number of 39xx and 69xx guns. I've carry both concealed since the early 90s...................with no issues.

Weight difference of the guns empty is only about an ounce...... loaded add about 2 oz for the extra 4 rounds.

Open carry I'd favor the 6906..... why not have 4 extra rounds!!!!!!!!!

Oh ya.....
my "back up/extra" magazine is a full size 15 round 59xx mag with a +2 adapter... so 27+1 GTG

my 3913/14s wear hogue checkered wood grips for a better; more hand filling, grip IMO

my 6906 and PC Shorty9 grips are stippled for a "gripper" grip.



If I was going to open carry I'd just go with my 915 with Mec-gar 17 and 18 round mags.

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 08-07-2017 at 11:09 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-07-2017, 11:30 AM
TTSH TTSH is offline
Junior Member
3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946  
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: MA
Posts: 7,707
Likes: 13,905
Liked 9,470 Times in 4,391 Posts
Default 3953 vs. 6946

Quote:
Originally Posted by toasterburn View Post
I'm looking to buy my first 3rd gen S&W for open carry. I want a DAO Compact 9mm, which narrows the search (I think) to a 3953/3954 or a 6946.
Hard to go wrong with either. Unfortunately, both are fairly rare in my area (took me years to find a decent 3953 and I still don't have a 6946).

It really depends on whether you prefer the slim feel of the 3953 or the chunkier feel of the 6946. I can only compare right now using one of my 6906 pistols, but I do prefer the double stack feel and extra capacity.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-07-2017, 11:49 AM
toasterburn toasterburn is offline
Member
3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Does anyone know if these are drop safe with a round in the chamber?

I've read that the DA/SA versions only are while the safety is engaged, which makes me wonder about the DAO versions.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-07-2017, 01:25 PM
JohnHL JohnHL is offline
SWCA Member
3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 10,605
Liked 5,549 Times in 2,170 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by toasterburn View Post
Does anyone know if these are drop safe with a round in the chamber?

I've read that the DA/SA versions only are while the safety is engaged, which makes me wonder about the DAO versions.
ALL S&W 2nd and 3rd gen pistols, both DA/SA and DAO have firing pin safeties which lock the firing pin unless the trigger is depressed, so are "drop safe".

John
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 08-08-2017, 01:53 AM
BLUEDOT37's Avatar
BLUEDOT37 BLUEDOT37 is offline
Member
3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946 3953 vs. 6946  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N.E. OKLA.
Posts: 6,461
Likes: 5,859
Liked 9,270 Times in 3,479 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by toasterburn View Post
Which is more comfortable in the hand, the single stack or double?
Of course only your hand can say which is more comfortable.

A double stack, with the factory grips, feel is very close to a single stack with Hogue grips feel, IMO.

.

6906 vs 3914

(b)

.
__________________
Waiting for the break of day
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
3953/6946 Kizer Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 5 12-22-2015 12:40 AM
3953 vs 3953 Tactical tgwillard Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 1 04-22-2011 09:35 PM
Make your own SSV! 3953 / 6946 Barrel & Slide Assembly - Sold pending funds mlk18 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 4 10-21-2010 11:13 PM
3953 and 6946 question ibguido Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 2 10-07-2010 08:28 PM
Open to offers?? SW 9mm complete slide or upper for 6946-3953? straight 20 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 5 05-13-2009 03:34 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:44 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)